Looks like some IAC's will play bluff until the very end. You'll basically need to have a small deposit placed somewhere, give them a 30 day notice, and be prepared to move, KNOWING that they may or may not counter you during the 30 day period. The end game plays out quickly. Or what you can do is keep mentioning that you'll move until the rent comes down.... if they really don't budge, start the 30-day notice.
USC: If the new place offers $1k with $100 reduction, then your net savings will be $1200 over the year... knowing that the $1k will go toward moving expense.
But if new place offers $100 discount with no free rent or discount on first month, then, with the exception of a possible improvement on environment, you're basically breaking even...
The 30 day notice... Play big to win big